Sir Keir Starmer is bracing for a challenging session of Prime Minister’s Questions today as the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal continues to unfold.
Former Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins revealed on Tuesday the intense pressure to expedite Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to Washington DC, despite reservations about the process.
Robbins, who was dismissed last week, disclosed to the Foreign Affairs Committee that there was a strong push from No 10 to have Mandelson in the US swiftly, showing disregard for standard vetting procedures.
While Downing Street denied the allegations, Starmer has been under mounting pressure from both Labour MPs and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch over the handling of the situation.
The controversy has emerged as a significant challenge for the Prime Minister ahead of the upcoming local elections, where Labour is anticipated to face a tough electoral battle.
Former Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden clarified that he did not advocate for Lord Peter Mandelson to assume the ambassadorial role without undergoing the necessary vetting process.
Robbins informed MPs that the Foreign Office resisted suggestions to waive vetting for Lord Mandelson based on his existing titles as a peer and a privy counsellor.
McFadden, now serving as the Work and Pensions Secretary, stated that the vetting process was clearly outlined in communications with Mandelson, emphasizing its crucial role in his appointment.
In a separate development, Angela Rayner cautioned about the potential domestic repercussions of the Iran conflict, urging the government to take decisive actions to alleviate burdens on citizens related to water, housing, and energy expenses.
Rayner expressed concerns about the uncertain aftermath of the Middle East crisis, warning against embracing misleading narratives from political opponents during this critical period.
Her remarks coincided with Starmer facing renewed turmoil following the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador, as Robbins accused No 10 of exerting unwarranted pressure to expedite the process.
During a conference attended by prominent Labour figures, Rayner underscored the need to anticipate the ramifications of the Iran War, highlighting the collective apprehension about its potential consequences.
Cabinet minister Pat McFadden refrained from explicitly endorsing Starmer’s decision to dismiss top Foreign Office official Sir Olly Robbins when questioned about the fairness of the action.
McFadden acknowledged his high regard for Robbins but deferred to the Prime Minister’s prerogative in making decisions concerning the leadership of the Foreign Office.
The ongoing saga involving Robbins implicating No 10 of negligence in vetting Peter Mandelson has intensified the scrutiny on Starmer, who is navigating a precarious political landscape amidst escalating revelations and challenges.